Auratus Cichlid

The Auratus Cichlid is one of the most recognisable and striking Mbuna from Lake Malawi, known for its dramatic colour and attitude shift as it matures. Juvenile Auratus and females display beautiful yellow and black horizontal striping, while dominant adult males undergo a complete transformation — turning a rich dark blue to black with pale blue stripes, creating a powerful contrast in any African cichlid tank.

This species is highly aggressive and territorial, best suited for experienced aquarists keeping Mbuna-only tanks with plenty of rockwork and clear territory boundaries.

Temperament: Very aggressive
Adult Size: 10–12 cm
Tank Size: 200L minimum
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 7.8–8.6
Diet: Omnivore – accepts spirulina flakes, veggie pellets, and cichlid formula
Compatibility: Mbuna only – not suitable for community or peaceful setups
Colour Change: Juveniles/females are yellow with black stripes; adult males turn black with electric blue markings

Care Level: Moderate to Hard – recommended for experienced cichlid keepers